ramucirumab + irinotecan

Ramucirumab + irinotecan is a combination therapy consisting of a humanized monoclonal antibody and a cytotoxic small molecule, primarily investigated for the treatment of advanced gastrointestinal cancers. Ramucirumab (Cyramza) is a human IgG1 monoclonal antibody that specifically targets and antagonizes vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2). By blocking the binding of VEGF ligands (VEGF-A, VEGF-C, and VEGF-D) to VEGFR2, it inhibits tumor-induced angiogenesis and vascular permeability. Irinotecan is a semi-synthetic derivative of camptothecin that acts as a topoisomerase I inhibitor. It stabilizes the cleavable complex between DNA and topoisomerase I, preventing DNA religation and leading to double-strand DNA breaks and apoptosis during the S-phase of the cell cycle. This combination was evaluated in a Phase II clinical trial (NCT03141034) sponsored by Washington University School of Medicine as a second-line treatment for patients with metastatic gastric or gastro-esophageal junction (GEJ) adenocarcinoma who progressed after first-line chemotherapy.

Brand names

Cyramza

Other names

ramucirumab plus irinotecan